Hybrid Taxis Hit the Streets

As hybrids become more popular among consumers, they're also joining the taxicab fleets of America's larger cities.

As hybrids become more popular among consumers, they're also joining the taxicab fleets of America's larger cities. Ford reports that in San Francisco 31 Escape SUV hybrid taxis have already traveled a combined 100,000 miles. Chicago is adding hybrid cabs, too, and 18 hybrid taxis just went into service in New York City.

Hybrids are well suited for taxi fleets. Most cabs drive at city speeds in stop-and-go traffic. This causes regenerative braking, in which the resistance of electric generators slows the car and recharges the nickel-hydride batteries.